The aim of the course is to introduce students to the concepts of Economic History.  After successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Have the ability to evaluate and compare the various theoretical and empirical approaches to economic and social history
• Understand and explain key processes of macroeconomic development: the transition from feudalism to capitalism and its various forms, the various phases of the industrial revolution, the occurrence of economic crises.
• Be able to develop synthetic and analytical skills to analyze and compare patterns of development in the North, South and East and to distinguish forms and phases of globalization.

Introduction: Basic concepts, the content of Economic History. The middle ages. The transition from the middle ages to the commercial expansion of the 16th & 17th centuries. The discovery of the new lands & routes and their consequences. The rise of the capitalist system. The economic conditions during the 18th century. Technological progress & the industrial revolution. The revolution in transportation. Developments in the agricultural sector. Industrial production & the 2nd industrial revolution. Wars & economic crises. Post-war economic developments. The modern capitalism. Major economic crises. Europe’s integration process. Problems & prospects.

Lectures (3 hours per week)

End of semester final written exam.

Use of IT in teaching, and in communication with the students (e-class).